(MENAFN- SWNS Digital) Adults will celebrate an average of three 'Christmas Days' this year - with many having already had their first festive get-together in November. But 33 per cent admit staying connected with all the friends and family they need to during this period is a 'logistical nightmare'. A poll of 2,000 people who partake in the season found the month of December sees them kick off as early as December 14th, on average. These celebrations will see people spend three hours and 16 minutes travelling between seeing different people this year, and 20 per cent will visit three or more houses in any one day during the festive period. However, 68 per cent lean on technology to ensure they keep in touch with those they're not able to see in person. The research was commissioned by EE, which has partnered with Lorraine Kelly and her daughter Rosie Smith, a pairing all too familiar with the shuffling between several locations over the festive season. They discussed what navigating a modern, multi-stop Christmas looks like and how dependable broadband and mobile connectivity supports the flow of their day. Lorraine, who became a grandmother for the first time last year to granddaughter Billie, revealed her thoughts on the poll's familiar themes:“Christmas is all about connecting with family and friends and keeping in touch. “I'm lucky enough to live near Rosie, Steve and baby Billie, and we will all be together on Christmas Day, but all doing our own thing for the rest of the holidays. “Rosie will be taking Billie to see Steve's family on Boxing Day and we are heading north to visit my mum, so those video calls with Billie mean the world. “When we are the hosts, broadband keeps the house feeling alive, with music on, a festive film streaming and video calls with friends and family in Scotland and all over the world. “It's a vital way to connect with my brother in Singapore, my cousins in Germany and friends in America and Canada. “Those moments, whether shared in person or on screen, make everything feel warm and connected. “For it to really feel like Christmas, it is important to feel that sense of connection with everyone, even those not geographically close by.” Of all those polled, 27 per cent will be hosting friends and family at their home this year, with 20 per cent being a guest elsewhere. However, such gatherings can lead to clashes with others, including on whether to open presents before or after breakfast, the annual board game fallout and who gets control of the remote for the Christmas specials. While keeping kids entertained, maintaining the right temperature and which festive film to screen were other points of contention. But it also emerged that with the stresses of hosting and guesting taking over the festivities, connection remains what keeps it all together. As 53 per cent claimed a strong broadband or mobile connection is now just as important to a smooth Christmas as a working oven. And the broadband is put through its paces over the festivities primarily through streaming films and TV shows, scrolling social media to see what others are up to – and video calls to friends and family. In general, 58 per cent said the latter helped them feel together with those close to them even when they're apart, according to the OnePoll data. Kelly Engstrom from EE added:“Christmas looks different in every household, but feeling close to the people who matter most is what keeps the season special. “As plans stretch across several homes, reliable broadband and mobile play an important role in helping families share the little moments that bring them together. “We are proud to support those connections, wherever and however people celebrate.”

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